Chair Arch in West Wycombe
Imagine inheriting a country estate and title but living the other side of the world. In an era, before planes or telephones.
Now imagine a whole village being so excited to meet you they build 3 arches to welcome you made out of furniture and farming produce and have a big village party?
Born in Nelson, New Zealand, Edwin Dashwood was oldest son of Sir Edwin Hare Dashwood a farmer and landowner. Edwin Dashwood, worked as kauri gum buyer. There was very little thought of the estate being inherited. But his two great uncles Sir George 5th Baronet and Sir John 6th Baronet never had children. After his fathers death in 1882 he inherited West Wycombe Estate.
Sunday 20th November 1889, Edwin aged 35 (now Sir Edwin Dashwood 8th baronet) and his wife Lady Florence 18, arrived at West Wycombe. Greeted by 3 adorned arches. The first arches was placed at the entrance to the village. This structure of evergreen, surmounted by emblems of the arms ancient, and decked with flags of bright colours. The motto, “Welcome Home EDH,” was displayed at top of the archway. Second arch outside the George & Dragon, a wooden framework covered with a vast array of chairs from the North and Sons factory. At the end of the high street, just before the estate gates an arch of produce from the soil. The pillars were composed of wreaths, barley, oats, cabbages, and more. This arch spoke volume for the fertility of neighbouring fields.
At dusk the village was illuminated. With Chinese lanterns adorning the arches and festoon lighting.6.30pm a torch lit procession was formed at the eastern side of the village and marched to the West Wycombe House led by the Brass Band. The procession was around hundred people plus spectators. They were greeted and thanked again by Sir Edwin. Before proceeding up to West Wycombe hill for 30ft high bonfire. Several barrels of beer were placed on the hill for the villagers to enjoy. Newspapers say “no disorder manifested!”
He discovered how much the estate had fallen into disrepair. His great Aunt Lady Elizabeth Dashwood whom had died the may before his arrival had been left lifelong tenancy after her husband (Sir George 5th Baronet) died in 1862. Lady Dashwood’s heirs were also claiming all the contents and family jewellery.
Sir Edwin had a huge task ahead of him to rescue the village. He sold all the family jewellery and remortgaged West Wycombe. Just 4 years later Sir Edwin died aged 39. His brother Sir Robert inherited. In 1929, his nephew sold West Wycombe Village cottages to Royal Society of Arts, later in 1943 West Wycombe Park was gifted to National Trust.
West Wycombe Park is still home to Dashwood Family, currently home to Sir Edward 12th Baronet and Lady Lucinda Dashwood .
To visit West Wycombe Park please visit the National Trust website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/west-wycombe-park-village-and-hill
Or for news of Charity Open days follow https://www.facebook.com/westwycombe/?locale=en_GB